There is a lot of space for teams to move around in the ACAC this season. Heck, even Bounce isn’t super sure about his finishing order predictions behind 1 and 2. It will be an interesting year to say the very least for the conference.
But at the top sit two once again battling for supemecy.
Let’s breakdown the ACAC heading into the 2026-2027 season.
THE FAVORITE
JAY COUNTY PATRIOTS
Jay County enters the season with experience, depth and one of the area’s most productive backcourts. Senior Hallie Schwieterman returns after averaging 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.1 steals, while sophomore Karsyn Schwieterman produced 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 54 percent from the field. Junior guard Liz Brunswick added 6.2 points, two assists and 1.8 steals, and sophomore forward Charlee Peters contributed 4.6 rebounds per game as a freshman.
Natalie May, Claudia Dirksen and Kendall Scheumenaur add experience to a deep returning group, while 6-foot-2 junior Amelia Heath headlines a newcomer class that also includes Gabi Petro and freshmen Brenna Weitzel, Boo Towell and Arabella Link. With a strong mix of speed, size and athleticism—and numerous players who received varsity minutes last season—the Patriots possess the tools to build upon their 16-8 campaign. Their goal is straightforward: improve every day and allow that steady growth to shape another successful season.
“We are excited about the potential of our group. We look forward to the opportunity to play a tough schedule that can hopefully prepare us for what it takes to compete in February,” says new coach Donna Buckley.
THE CONTENDER
BLUFFTON TIGERS
Bluffton returns four starters from an 18-win team, giving the Tigers plenty of proven production, though did graduate their leading scorer from last season. Khloe Dick averaged 15.6 points and 2.8 steals while shooting 38 percent from three, and Carlee Strunk added 10.9 points and 2.1 assists while connecting on 40 percent of her three-point attempts. Sophie Eisenhut anchors the interior after averaging 10 rebounds and 3.3 blocks, while Eden Nash contributed 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
That experienced core will be supported by returning wings Kam Ault and Isla Gibson, along with Grace Fry, Madelyn Funk and Bridget Steffen stepping into larger varsity roles. The added depth should make Bluffton quicker, more athletic and even more dangerous offensively, particularly with multiple dependable three-point shooters surrounding Eisenhut’s rim protection. With that balance, the Tigers have set ambitious goals: winning both ACAC championships, reaching 20 victories and capturing a sectional title before making a postseason run.
“I think we should be very good again this year based off of our returners and our tough summer schedule. We will score a lot of points and apply a lot of pressure on D so I’m looking forward to a fun year,” said coach Doug Curtis.
THE REST (listed alphabetically)
ADAMS CENTRAL
Adams Central enters the season with a young lineup and plenty of scoring to replace. Junior guards Demi Landis and Tenley Hendricks are the returning starters. Landis averaged 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists last season, while Hendricks added 4.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Junior guard Lila Ringger, who averaged 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist, gives the Jets another experienced option as the returners take on larger roles.
The Jets will lean on their quick guards and defensive pressure while their offense finds its footing. Junior forwards Adia Hildebrand and Calie Dalrymple and sophomore forward Ali Hamilton move up from the JV team, while freshmen Jentrie Schaeffer, a 5-foot-11 center, and guard Meg Hildebrand arrive from the middle school program. Adams Central will need contributions from players new to varsity basketball, but the group’s unselfishness and support for one another give it a foundation to build on. The goal is steady improvement, with the Jets playing their best basketball at the end of the season.
“I think this group of girls will be a lot of fun to come support. They will play hard and their support for each other will really shine through. They will do a great job of representing our school and community,” says coach Tim Hildebrand.
HERITAGE PATRIOTS
Heritage enters the season with four returning starters and a chance to build on last year’s 6–14 record. Sophomore Elaine Bickel led the Patriots with 7.8 points per game as a freshman, while senior Olivia Lybarger averaged 4.4 points and 3.7 rebounds. Sophomore point guard Kierstyn Hess added 4.2 points, a team-high 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Senior Elise Hissong brings another experienced ballhandler after averaging 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
Seniors Audra Bickel and Audrey Meyer, along with Molly Krey and Riley Roy, give Heritage more familiar faces around that core. The Patriots also welcome freshmen Kinnley Galentine, Eliana Lybarger and Quinn Hissong, adding depth as the program works to grow its numbers. With experience in the backcourt and a strong incoming class, Heritage’s goal is to turn last season’s progress into more wins.
“Keep stacking days in the gym and focus on getting better,” coach Jason Miller says about the team’s focus.
SOUTH ADAMS
South Adams returns an experienced core led by four junior starters, most of whom are entering their third varsity season. Ana Lehman headlines the group after averaging 14.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.9 assists per game last season. Shaylee Sprunger added 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 steals and a team-high 2 assists per game, while Lucy Schwartz contributed 4 points per contest. Charlee Bollenbacher also returns to the starting backcourt, with fellow juniors Kenley Geels and Mariana Tenorio and sophomore Kennedy Bollenbacher providing additional experience.
Without much size, the Starfires will lean on their speed, quickness and veteran understanding as they continue rebuilding the program into a consistent challenger. Freshmen Emmaline Buckingham, Jaelyn Sprunger, Madalyn McIntosh, Hadley Sprunger and Harper Sprunger give the team a promising group of newcomers.
“We improved from year one to year two in my return. Our focus will be to take steps in the right direction again this year,” says coach Brett Freeman. “Rebuilding a program takes time. Our girls continue to work hard to put South Adams back on the map of top teams in the area.”
SOUTHERN WELLS
Southern Wells enters the season with the experience and continuity to build on consecutive winning campaigns, including last year’s 15-8 finish. Junior guard Kaylee Davis drives the Raiders’ aggressive, fast-paced approach after averaging 14 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 4.5 steals per game. Her ability to push the tempo, create opportunities for teammates and disrupt opponents gives Southern Wells a centerpiece who impacts far more than the scoring column. Senior guard Kaylea Coffel returns after contributing 6.6 points, 1.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game, joining returners Aubree Meyer, Remi Holmes and Cadence Watkins to provide a familiar foundation. Watkins added 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per contest, while Holmes supplied 4.3 rebounds per game.
Sophomore Leighann Carpenter adds an important interior presence at 6-foot after averaging 4.3 rebounds per game, while JV newcomers Kyan Johnson, Keely Miller, Amelia Penrod and Annalyse Roe will look to strengthen the rotation. With an experienced core and an emphasis on speed and aggression, the Raiders hope to increase their win total, make strides in the ACAC and pursue a sectional championship. Southern Wells also has its sights set on establishing a school scoring-average record, making its ability to turn defensive pressure into transition opportunities a key ingredient.
WOODLAN WARRIORS
Woodlan returns an experienced core led by seniors Lexie Peoples (5.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Layla Hodson (2.3 spg), along with junior forward Savannah Scheumann, who’s 10.4 points per game will be the top among returning players. A season ago, Scheumann scored in double digits in each of Woodlan’s last five games. Juniors Kaitlyn Sterling (4.4 ppg) and Scarlett Gillingham and sophomore Addison Crozier provide additional experienced depth, while JV additions Olivia Trygg and Brianna Noble will look to contribute in expanded roles.
The Warriors believe their athleticism can help them play at a fast pace on both ends of the floor and wear down opponents. After playing well together during the summer, Woodlan will lean on strong senior leadership while adjusting to a different style of play. How quickly the Warriors embrace new roles and adapt to those changes will go a long way toward determining their success.
“I think we will have a team that will play hard and be fun to watch. We are looking forward to competing for conference and sectional championships with a lot of hard work,” says coach David Randall.
BOUNCE’S ACAC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Jay County
2. Bluffton
3. Woodlan
4. Southern Wells
5. South Adams
6. Adams Central
7. Heritage
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
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